A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your favorite herb or tobacco, but it can also be a source of frustration if it doesn’t work properly. Whether you have a leak, air bubbles, low pressure, or a broken piece, there are some simple steps you can take to fix your glass bong and get back to smoking. Here are some of the most common problems and issues with glass bongs and how to troubleshoot them.
Leak
A leaky bong can ruin your smoking experience and waste your precious herb or tobacco. Leaks can occur in different parts of the bong, such as the bowl, the stem, the joint, or the base. To find out where the leak is, fill your bong with water and look for any drips or wet spots. You can also cover the mouthpiece and carb hole (if your bong has one) and blow gently into the bowl to create some pressure. If you hear any hissing sounds or see any bubbles, that’s where the leak is.
Depending on where the leak is and how severe it is, you may be able to fix it with some household materials. Here are some possible solutions:
- If the leak is in the bowl, slide, or stem, you can try using food grade silicone to seal it. Food grade silicone is a non-toxic substance that is often used to make molds for food items. It is also resistant to heat and damage and can act as a sealant. To use it, apply a thin layer of silicone over the crack or hole and let it dry completely before using your bong again. You can find food grade silicone online or at craft stores.
- If the leak is in the joint where the stem connects to the base, you can try using some plumber’s tape or hemp wick to wrap around it. Plumber’s tape is a thin, white tape that is used to seal pipe threads and prevent leaks. Hemp wick is a natural alternative to lighters that is made of hemp fibers coated with beeswax. Both of these materials can create a tighter fit between the stem and the base and stop any water from escaping. To use them, wrap them around the joint several times until it feels snug and secure.
- If the leak is in the base of the bong, you may have a more serious problem that requires professional help. However, if the crack or hole is small and clean-cut, you may be able to fix it with some two-component epoxy. Two-component epoxy is a type of glue that consists of two parts: a resin and a hardener. When mixed together, they form a strong bond that can adhere to glass and other materials. To use it, follow the instructions on the package and apply a thin layer of epoxy over the crack or hole. Let it cure for at least 24 hours before using your bong again.
Air Bubbles
Air bubbles in your bong can interfere with your smoking experience by reducing the amount of smoke you get and making it harsher on your throat and lungs. Air bubbles can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Too much water in your bong: If you fill your bong with too much water, it can create too much resistance when you inhale and cause air bubbles to form in the chamber. To avoid this, fill your bong with enough water to cover the bottom of the stem or percolator (if your bong has one), but not so much that it reaches the mouthpiece.
- Too little water in your bong: If you fill your bong with too little water, it can create too little resistance when you inhale and cause air bubbles to form in the chamber. To avoid this, fill your bong with enough water to cover the bottom of the stem or percolator (if your bong has one), but not so much that it reaches the mouthpiece.
- Dirty water in your bong: If you don’t change your water regularly, it can get dirty and sticky from all the resin and ash that accumulates in it. This can affect the flow of air and water in your bong and cause air bubbles to form in the chamber. To avoid this, change your water after every session or at least once a day.
- Dirty parts in your bong: If you don’t clean your bong regularly, it can get clogged with resin and ash that build up in the bowl, slide, stem, joint, and base. This can affect the flow of air and water in your bong and cause air bubbles to form in the chamber. To avoid this, clean your bong after every session or at least once a week.
Low Pressure
Low pressure in your bong can make it harder to smoke and reduce the amount of smoke you get. Low pressure can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Too much water in your bong: If you fill your bong with too much water, it can create too much resistance when you inhale and reduce the pressure in the chamber. To avoid this, fill your bong with enough water to cover the bottom of the stem or percolator (if your bong has one), but not so much that it reaches the mouthpiece.
- Too little water in your bong: If you fill your bong with too little water, it can create too little resistance when you inhale and reduce the pressure in the chamber. To avoid this, fill your bong with enough water to cover the bottom of the stem or percolator (if your bong has one), but not so much that it reaches the mouthpiece.
- Dirty water in your bong: If you don’t change your water regularly, it can get dirty and sticky from all the resin and ash that accumulates in it. This can affect the flow of air and water in your bong and reduce the pressure in the chamber. To avoid this, change your water after every session or at least once a day.
- Dirty parts in your bong: If you don’t clean your bong regularly, it can get clogged with resin and ash that build up in the bowl, slide, stem, joint, and base. This can affect the flow of air and water in your bong and reduce the pressure in the chamber. To avoid this, clean your bong after every session or at least once a week.
- Wrong size of bowl or stem: If you use a bowl or stem that is too big or too small for your bong, it can affect the flow of air and water in your bong and reduce the pressure in the chamber. To avoid this, use a bowl or stem that fits snugly into the joint of your bong and matches its size and shape.
Broken Piece
A broken piece of glass can ruin your bong and make it unsafe to use. Broken pieces can occur from accidents, age, or general wear-and-tear. Depending on how severe the break is, you may be able to fix it or replace it with a new piece.
If you have a clean break or a small chip in a removable part of your bong, such as the bowl, slide, or stem, you may be able to fix it with some food grade silicone or two-component epoxy, as explained above. However, if the break is too large or complex, you may be better off buying a new piece online or at a smoke shop.
If you have a break or a crack in a non-removable part of your bong, such as the base or the percolator (if your bong has one), you may have a more difficult time fixing it. You may be able to use some food grade silicone or two-component epoxy to seal it, but this may not be enough to restore its functionality and safety. You may also be able to hire a professional glassblower to repair it for you, but this may be costly and time-consuming. In some cases, you may have no choice but to buy a new bong.
Conclusion
A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your favorite herb or tobacco, but it can also have some problems and issues that need troubleshooting. By following these simple steps, you can fix some of the most common problems and issues with your glass bong and get back to smoking. However, if you have a serious break or damage that cannot be fixed easily or safely, you may need to buy a new piece or a new bong altogether.
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy smoking!
